Palm FAQ

What you will find here are some of the most frequently asked questions we encounter and the answers to them. In order to avoid pages and pages of explanation, we will simply state the Q&A and if you need explanation or desire more detail on a particular topic, please email us and we will respond as time allows.

All of the answers and conclusions contained herein are based upon the opinions and real time experiences of our staff and are a reflection of our in house procedures and practices. We offer this information with the understanding that your use of it does not in any fashion constitute any liability on our part.

We make no warranty what so ever as to the correctness or fitness of purpose of any of the information contained herein. When handling our material, you must rely upon your own experience and judgment as your assurance of correct handling, installation and maintenance.

What is the difference between Clear Wood and Clear Trunk?

Clear Wood (C.W.) is a measurement from the base of the nut or bell (the natural appearing section at the top of the trunk just below the fronds) to ground level. Clear Trunk (C.T.) is a measurement from the base of the live fronds to ground level.

How do you measure when you sell the palms?

Groundworks use's Clear Trunk (C.T.) when describing and selling our Date palms.

How is the availability of Medjool Dates? What sizes are available?

Medjools are nursery produced and farmed for their delicious fruit, the Medjool Date. An offshoot of the fruit farming effort has been the availability of these spectacular palms for ornamental use. Groundworks has available in excess of 25000 mature Medjool Date Palms in sizes ranging from 8' Clear Trunk to 40' Clear Trunk and many thousands more under production. Here in Florida, we stock up to 300 Medjools of all sizes ready for immediate delivery or installation.

How is the availability of Phoenix Dactylifera Zahidi?

As of January 2002, Zahidi Dates are few and far between. Currently, though we have in excess of 1500 in production, there are only a few in the 10 to 15 foot of clear trunk size range. The majority of the grove is at 7 to 9 foot of clear trunk and we are doing all we can to hold them until they reach a more optimum size.

Will I be able to eat the fruit that grows on my Medjool palm?

As a rule if you live in a humid climate, the fruit will ferment just prior to becoming edible. However, provided the fruit is pollinated by another Phoenix genus male in the area (it does not have to be Dactylifera, any Phoenix genus males will suffice) occasionally some of the fruit will get close enough to ripe that you can pick it and then store it in a bright, air conditioned environment to finish ripening.

What is the difference between Phoenix Dactylifera Deglett Noor, Phoenix Dactylifera Medjool and Phoenix Dactylifera Zahidi?

There are many obscure sub varieties of Phoenix Dactylifera but these three are the only ones that are commonly available in the United States. Correctly stated, they are three different sub varieties of the species Dactylifera within the genus Phoenix.

The fruit is very different in appearance and texture (the Deglett Noor is very small and hard, The Medjool very large and plump, the Zahidi smaller then the Medjool and rounder) and the canopies differ substantially in appearance.

The Deglett Noor canopy is very wispy and somewhat thin in appearance while the Medjool produces a much thicker, more tropically arching canopy. The Zahidi canopy is quite dense and tends to be more silvery in color and more upright is appearance. The trunks appear pretty much the same though the Zahidi tends to be the thickest of the three.

How good is the availability of Phoenix Canariensis?

Mature Canary Island Dates are collected from other existing landscapes around the state of Florida as well as in Arizona, California and Texas. They are available but not abundantly so and because they are actually collected from different locals, customers seeking a perfect match will be disappointed.

Are Medjool Date palms salt tolerant?

Yes, Medjools are at least as salt tolerant as a coconut palm and have been utilized successfully on sites with direct Atlantic and Gulf exposure many, many times.

Can I install Medjools under belt one, beachfront conditions?

Yes, but there is an essential rule that you must follow. When ordering your Medjools, please tell your Groundworks rep that you are installing under belt 1 conditions and she will provide you with an installation protocol that was specifically designed for these conditions.

Is Phoenix Dactylifera cold tolerant?

Yes. At least to Zone 8A. Honestly, we are still not sure just how hardy the palms are. We have had them installed on sites as far north as Hilton Head South Carolina for many years and though they have endured multiple hard freeze's, many of which were in the teens, we haven't lost a single one as a result. Some frond damage to be sure, but they have always recovered.

Is there anything I can do that would help my palms endure the elements when I know that freezing conditions are imminent?

Yes, Groundworks has developed a preparatory and then post freeze protocol that we make available to our customers. This protocol has been effective in reducing the amount of tissue damage while also addressing post freeze pathogen development problems.

How often should I water my Date Palms?

When irrigating your Date palms, the goal is to establish a wet to dry, wet to dry cycle in the upper 18-24 inches of soil. This is a trial and error scenario as drainage characteristics vary from yard to yard. We recommend that you run your irrigation until the ground is thoroughly wet and then turn it off. Check the soil at a depth of 10 to 12 inches daily until you find that it has dried down to that level. Allow one more day and then go through the cycle again. After a few cycles, you will know how long it takes to achieve the dry side of the cycle and you can set your irrigation timer accordingly.

What is the most damaging thing I can do to my Date Palms and landscape?

Over watering is the killer, make no mistake about it. Over watering encourages pathogen development and subsequent disease problems. It causes anaerobic conditions in the area of the root system causing physical damage to the roots while promoting root disease. It also rots the wood on the exterior of the palm.

The trunk of my Date Palm is covered with Black moldy looking stuff and the wood is decaying, what's happening?

The unprotected woody surface is being decayed by the elements and/or excess irrigation constantly impacting the trunk. Remember, the trunk of your Date Palm is covered in what is basically dead wood. If it is allowed to remain wet and is unprotected, it will begin to decay and become a food source for fungi. Groundworks has developed a unique protocol called MagicTouch is a multi- visit protocol that was specifically designed for use on palms that have been on site for many years. Governed by the level of existing decay, MagicTouch will bring back a significant degree of the original beauty of the trunk and re establish a healthy, vigorous root system while also working to solve the disease problems that have developed over the years. Talk to a Groundworks rep for more information.

What is the most dangerous disease problem to watch out for and prevent when maintaining Phoenix Dactylifera?

While there are a few different problems that can arise if you ignore the palms, the most damaging in our opinion and experience is Thielaviopsis Paradoxa, also known as Chalara Paradoxa. Briefly stated, (there is a whole lot more to say on this topic) if left untreated, T. Paradoxa commonly causes the destruction of a portion of the conductive tissue just below the petiole. This damage then attracts and encourages the establishment of Ambrosia Beetle colonies. This colonization results in an escalating level of structural damage that itself often results in the palms breaking off at the weakest point.

Is this Chalara preventable or treatable?

Yes. Chalara is known to be treatable with a commonly available fungicide. Groundworks has developed post installation maintenance specifications that we provide to our customers when they purchase our palms. These specifications include controls for the development of Chalara as well as other problem pests.

My palm was installed a few years ago and most of the lower fronds have browned but the heart looks good, what is going on?

A fairly common but rarely lethal disease called Graphiola Phoenics has infected the palm. Graphiola is fairly common on sites where the planter beds under the palm are constantly irrigated resulting in a high level of evaporation constantly pelting the lowest fronds with water vapor. The disease is controllable and can be eradicated through the application of a fungicide. Speak to your Groundworks representative and they will provide you with the necessary treatment protocol information.

I wanted to buy a Canary Island Date Palm but my landscaper told me that they die easily, is that true?

Yes and no. Mature Canariensis suffer a fairly high loss rate at transplant. In our experience, this loss rate averages 35% and it can become very frustrating. However, once established on site, and provided the palms receive a reasonable level of disease control, they are very durable. So, yes, the loss rate is quite high at the point of transplant but no, they do not die easily after the establishment period is over.

Which costs more to buy, the Medjool or the Canary Island Date?

Both sell for the same money wholesale but the Canary Island date is more expensive to have installed with a warranty because of the far higher loss rate.

Feel free to send us an email with any other questions you may have.